Physics World Weekly Podcast
Physics World
Physics World Weekly offers a unique insight into the latest news, breakthroughs and innovations from the global scientific community. Our award-winning journalists reveal what has captured their imaginations about the stories in the news this week, which might span anything from quantum physics and astronomy through to materials science, environmental research and policy, and biomedical science and technology. Find out more about the stories in this podcast by visiting the Physics World website. If you enjoy what you hear, then also check out our monthly podcast Physics World Stories, which takes a more in-depth look at a specific theme.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 31, 2024 • 36min
Peter Hirst: MIT Sloan Executive Education develops leadership skills in STEM employees
Peter Hirst, Senior Associate Dean at MIT Sloan School of Management, sheds light on the necessity of soft skills for STEM professionals. He discusses how traditional STEM training often overlooks essential leadership qualities. Hirst emphasizes the significance of tailored educational programs that bridge science and management to enhance leadership efficacy. He also touches on groundbreaking management practices at the Broad Institute during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating how organizational skills can significantly boost scientific outcomes.
Oct 24, 2024 • 31min
Julia Sutcliffe: chief scientific adviser explains why policymaking must be underpinned by evidence
Julia Sutcliffe, the Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade, has an impressive background in systems engineering at British Aerospace, focusing on robotics and AI. She discusses her journey from academia to government, emphasizing the role of evidence in policymaking. Sutcliffe stresses the importance of collaboration and systems thinking, urging for science to be integrated into mainstream dialogue to fuel innovation. She highlights the need for inclusivity in science and engineering, encouraging newcomers to embrace opportunities.
Oct 17, 2024 • 37min
Data-intensive PhDs at LIV.INNO prepare students for careers outside of academia
Carsten Welsch, an accelerator physicist and director of LIV.INNO, and Andreea Font, a computational astrophysicist, dive into the unique PhD training offered at LIV.INNO. They discuss the importance of equipping students with skills in high-performance computing and machine learning for diverse careers beyond academia. The duo highlights the significance of industry placements and interdisciplinary collaborations, especially in applying data science to fields like healthcare and agriculture. They also touch upon the evolving role of AI in education, emphasizing the need for critical analysis of information.
Oct 10, 2024 • 28min
Deep connections: why two AI pioneers won the Nobel Prize for Physics
Anil Ananthaswamy, author of "Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Maths Behind Modern AI", dives into the recent Nobel Prize awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for their pioneering work in machine learning. He explains their foundational contributions and the surprising intersection of AI and physics. The conversation also touches on Hinton's warnings about AI's potential risks and the growing need for regulation, while exploring the exciting role of Boltzmann machines in generative AI and their connection to physical principles.
Oct 3, 2024 • 30min
Nobel predictions and humorous encounters with physics laureates
Hosts explore predictions for the Nobel Prize in Physics, spotlighting potential winners in condensed-matter physics. They share personal anecdotes from memorable encounters with Nobel laureates, highlighting both humor and awe. The banter includes amusing moments from the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, showcasing the playful interactions between laureates and students. A reflection on interviewing Stephen Weinberg adds a touch of levity. The buildup to the prize announcement amplifies excitement about groundbreaking contributions to the field.
Sep 24, 2024 • 35min
Science thrives on constructive and respectful peer review
Peer Review Week reveals the vital role of constructive feedback in science. Conversations highlight the negative impacts of unprofessional reviewer comments, particularly on early-career researchers. Innovations are discussed to foster a respectful review culture, including training programs for reviewers. Leading scientists share shocking and rude reviewer experiences, emphasizing the need for better communication practices. The episode also touches on initiatives that target biases affecting underrepresented groups in STEM, promoting a more inclusive and supportive scientific environment.
Sep 19, 2024 • 38min
Diagnosing and treating disease: how physicists keep you safe during healthcare procedures
Mark Knight, chief healthcare scientist at NHS Kent and Medway, teams up with Fiammetta Fedele, head of non-ionizing radiation at Guy’s and St Thomas, to discuss the pivotal role of medical physicists in healthcare. They delve into how these experts ensure patient safety during radiotherapy and imaging procedures. The conversation also touches on the exciting potential of artificial intelligence in transforming medical technology while addressing ethical considerations. Innovations in patient treatment and safety protocols are highlighted, making the future of healthcare look promising.
Sep 12, 2024 • 37min
Looking to the future of statistical physics, how intense storms can affect your cup of tea
Leticia Cugliandolo, a statistical physics expert and chief scientific director of JSTAT, joins Marc Mézard from Bocconi University to delve into the evolution of statistical physics. They discuss its applications in active matter and AI, highlighting its significance in modern research. The conversation shifts intriguingly to how intense storms, particularly Storm Ciarán, affect boiling points and, consequently, the quality of tea. The duo reveals fascinating connections between meteorology and our daily rituals, underscoring the science behind every cup.
Sep 5, 2024 • 49min
Hybrid quantum–classical computing chips and neutral-atom qubits both show promise
Elena Blokhina, chief scientific officer at Equal1, and Brandon Grinkemeyer, a PhD student at Harvard, explore exciting developments in quantum computing. Elena discusses the promise of hybrid quantum–classical chips, utilizing quantum dots for efficiency. Brandon sheds light on neutral-atom qubits and their role in quantum optics and atomic physics. They highlight challenges in error correction and the quest for room temperature operation, emphasizing collaborative research shaping the future of this cutting-edge technology.
Aug 29, 2024 • 41min
The Wow! signal: did a telescope in Ohio receive an extraterrestrial communication in 1977?
In August 1977, the Big Ear telescope captured a mysterious signal that sparked intrigue about extraterrestrial life. Scientists debate its origins, with recent research providing new, non-alien explanations. Abel Méndez and his team discuss their findings, linking astronomical observations to natural phenomena. The conversation dives into signal analysis, the limitations of early technology, and the evolving methods in the search for cosmic communication. Plus, there's a nod to CERN's 70th anniversary, blending history with contemporary scientific exploration.
